RAIN cruelly decimated the Vaux Northern League cricket programme last Saturday (September 6). It allowed all matches to start, but none to finish.

Preston visited league leaders Netherfield and the home side were put in to bat by Preston captain Graham Standring.

They reached 200 for 6 from their allotted 48 overs, two being lost for rain during their innings.

Simon Dutton and Netherfield deputy professional Jaffah Quereshi featured in a 58 runs partnership for the third wicket before the former was bowled by Preston professional Manoj Parekh for 32.

Half the Netherfield team were dismissed for 147 and the innings closed at 200 for 6.

The rain descended in the tea interval and no further play was possible.

Rain probably saved bottom club Leyland DAF from their ninth defeat of the season.

They had struggled to 86 for 9 off their allotted 49 overs at Lune Road against Lancaster when their innings closed. At one stage they were 35 for 6.

Nevertheless, Lancaster's deputy professional from Royton, Tushar Arothe, bowled superbly to take 5 for 28 from 19 consecutive overs.

Leyland only managed a point in a losing draw at Fox Lane against current league champions St Annes although rain brought a premature end to the proceedings.

Leyland captain and professional Paul Tebay put St Annes in to bat and they posted 188 for 5.

Neil Bradley top scored with an unbeaten 51 and Chris Harrison supported him with 45.

Steven Pallett bowled half the overs to take 3 for 94.

In reply, Leyland only received 21 overs and were 21 for 1 when rain ended the game.

Paul Tebay was undefeated with 16 and Craig Gardiner with five.

Saturday (September 13) sees the last games of the season.

Preston entertain Darwen at South Meadow Lane looking for their second consecutive home win.

There is an interesting derby at Sandy Lane between Leyland DAF and Leyland which is David Makinsons last game as Leyland DAF's professional.

He will continue to captain the side next season, but whoever loses this match are likely to become the wooden spoonists.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.